EVENT CALENDAR
2025 EVENT RECAP
From Dope Dealer to Hope Dealer: Fausto Castellanos
In 2025, WGP hosted Fausto Castellanos aka Not Your Average Counselor, for our Recovery Kickoff Event! Fausto Castellanos is not your average counselor. As a clinical counselor, motivational speaker, and spiritual advisor, he brings a rare combination of professional expertise and lived experience to everything he does. Having overcome his own struggles with addiction, trauma, and mental health, Fausto embodies the belief that “those who hurt the most, heal the most.” His work is rooted in the power of vulnerability and the conviction that there is purpose in pain. Fausto sees storytelling as a superpower; one that not only inspires healing but also reminds people they are not alone. From working with individuals experiencing homelessness to guiding high-profile clients, his approach remains the same: compassion, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in people’s capacity to grow. Throughout his career, Fausto has helped tens of thousands in person and reached millions more online with his message of hope and transformation. His impact is a reflection of his genuine love for people and his gift for creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. Fausto’s message is clear: no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve faced, healing is possible, and your story can change lives. Fausto did not let the rain stop his compelling and genuine story! He was even able to visit multiple recovery facilities throughout Hagerstown while he was here. He told his story multiple times, brought hope, laughter, and empowerment to those who heard him. Washington Goes Purple was very blessed to have such a wonderful human be a part of our Recovery Events this year! For more information on Fausto, check out the video of his speech at HCC and follow him on socials @notyouraveragecounselor and on YouTube @hopedealerfausto
Local Voices, Powerful Message: Hagerstown Performs for Prevention
Washington Goes Purple had a special guest performance by 2 Hagerstown natives, Javier Santiago & Alva Moses at the Recovery Kickoff Event on September 6, 2025. Music has always been at the heart of who Javier Santiago is. His journey through addiction and recovery is one that so many can relate to, and he has been gifted with the ability to turn that journey into expression through his lyrics. In his music, Javier gives voice to the thoughts and feelings that many of us experience but struggle to put into words. Since finding sobriety, the story of recovery has become his favorite story to tell, and he tells it in the most powerful way he knows: through the songs he writes. His mission is simple yet profound: to share his experience, strength, and hope with others, especially those who may feel unseen or misunderstood. To anyone still suffering, Javier’s message is clear: “I understand, and you are not alone.” Alva Moses is a local artist, author, and proud supporter of Washington Goes Purple. Having fought addiction personally, he wrote Ripples of My Life, (available for sale on Amazon) a powerful book of poetry that shares his journey of recovery, faith, and healing. Through his art, Alva inspires hope and reminds us all that recovery is possible.
Movie Night with Drew Broadhurst at Good Libations
Washington Goes Purple hosted a Movie Night at Good Libations, at 37 S Potomac St, featuring the short film The Hope Dealer, directed by Drew Broadhurst. The film highlights themes of resilience, recovery, and the power of hope, showing how individuals and communities can overcome the challenges of substance use through connection, compassion, and support. In this raw and powerful story, a heroin addict must choose between his family and his addiction: a journey that inspires those struggling with opioid use to seek help, embrace hope, and continue their path toward recovery. This event sparked meaningful conversations about recovery and the importance of sharing real stories that inspire change. Check out the short film below:
Ryan Leaf Inspires at the 2025 Washington County Recovery Walk
On September 20, 2025, community members gathered at Meritus Park, Home of the Flying Boxcars, for the annual Washington County Recovery Walk, featuring keynote speaker Ryan Leaf, the former NFL quarterback turned motivational speaker and advocate. Leaf shared his powerful story of redemption, tracing his journey from professional downfall to personal recovery. Drawing from his experiences both on and off the field, he offered heartfelt insight on navigating difficult relationships and fostering understanding in high-pressure environments. Through themes of self-awareness, empathy, healthy boundaries, and patience, Ryan encouraged attendees to see others through a lens of compassion rather than judgment. His message is that healing begins with humility and connection. This message resonated deeply with the Recovery Walk’s mission of hope and community support. Today, Ryan continues to inspire others through his work as CEO of RAM Consultant, Inc., a national speaker, and advocate for recovery, mental health, and criminal justice reform. Washington Goes Purple thanks Ryan Leaf for sharing his story and reminding us that even in our most difficult moments, redemption and recovery are always possible. Follow him @ryandleaf on socials!